The Fox Chapel Area boys golf team already has gotten off to a quick start in the 2023-2024 season, thanks to a spectacular lineup that includes two of the top golfers in the WPIAL, senior Davey Fuhrer and freshman Carson Kittsley. It is possible that the Foxes have one of the best, if not the best, one-two punch in Class 3A, and are legitimate contenders for another WPIAL Class 3A team title.
While rankings are fluid, according to the most recent American Junior Golf Association lists, Davey places ninth among all Pennsylvania boys high school golfers. Carson ranks in the top 50 high-school golfers in the state and the fourth-best freshman in Pennsylvania.
“Davey and Carson are both are extremely skilled hard workers, and have high expectations of themselves,” says coach Joe Farrell. “But our other players are just as important to our success.”
Complimenting Davey and Carson are senior Joe Rattner, junior Davis Kittsley, and sophomores David DiGregory and Anderson Dockey. In the first few meets of the season, there was a nice mix of low scores spread across the lineup, a great sign of Fox Chapel Area’s strength. So far, Davey, Carson, Davis, Anderson, David, and junior Matt Begg all finished with match-low scores. The rotations will remain fluid throughout the course of the season to allow some additional underclassmen to gain varsity playing time.
Coach Farrell hasn’t made age a priority and has had some tough decisions this year. He says, “We’re going to play the best we’ve got, whether they are freshmen, seniors, or somewhere in between. I believe with the talent on this team, we have a good shot at winning WPIALs and going to states.”
The last time a Foxes squad won the WPIAL tournament was in 2021, which was also the most recent year the team won the PIAA Class 3A championship. Last season’s team was the WPIAL Class 3A Section 8 champions and finished fifth at WPIALs. Davey tied for the individual section title and advanced to the WPIAL individual tournament. Davis and Joe also qualified for the WPIAL Individual championship.
“I think that if I can get everyone on the team to take it seriously and focus on achieving our goal to win the WPIAL championship, then we will succeed,” says team captain Davey, who played in numerous regional and national high-level tournaments this summer. “I know that it is no easy goal, but with the talent that we possess, it can happen.”
Having the opportunity to play in some difficult tournaments over the summer, including the U.S. Kids World Golf Championships, was a learning experience for Carson, who is bringing those lessons to the Foxes team.
“I’ve learned that everyone can get easy hits, but it all comes down to the short game and putting,” Carson says. “Those are things I’m working on.”